Morocco

Morocco Travel Guide

Morocco lies just under nine miles (14.3km) from Spain across
the Straight of Gibraltar, the only place where the Mediterranean
Sea mixes with the Atlantic Ocean. The mixing of the two seas which
lap Morocco's coast serves as a useful allegory for understanding
the North African country's rich history. Morocco is an elaborate
weave of Arabic, Berber, French and Spanish culture which has
captivated the imaginations of travellers for the better part of
the last millennium; it is this heady mix of old and new which sees
contemporary Morocco thriving.

Hints of Morocco's turbulent history still pervade daily life,
and serve to strengthen its allure. Since the days of the
Phoenicians, Morocco has attracted foreign interest from the
Romans, Vandals, Visigoths and ancient Greeks until the coming of
the Arabs in the 7th century, who brought Islam and the Alaouite
Dynasty. European powers have had their day, too: France and Spain
battled for control until nationalism triumphed and the Kingdom of
Morocco gained independence in 1956, and evolved into the Morocco
travellers experience today.

For some, the main appeal for visitors to Morocco has always
been its balance of the familiar with the exotic. Morocco's seaside
cities like Tangiers offer Mediterranean charm; while inland
Marrakesh thrums with vibrant souks, markets where legendary fine
Moroccan crafts are made and sold, and Moorish architectural
wonders loom overhead; and Casablanca is the economic centre of
Morocco, playing host to an energetic business culture and
international trade.

However, travellers to Morocco would do well to venture beyond
the cities. The Rif Mountains in the north, and the High Atlas
Mountains in Morocco's middle, offer scenes of life in Berber
communities where their languages and culture are well preserved.
Adventurers will find paradise in mountain ranges which offer
skiing on snow-capped peaks, trekking through gorges and fertile
valleys, and kayak trips down powerful streams. In the south, the
vast, bleak power of the Western Sahara enthrals travellers who
choose to journey by camel or 4x4.

No matter the particulars of travellers' time in Morocco, they
are sure to be fascinated by visions of snake charmers weaving
their magic while the call of the muezzins wafts from the ancient
minarets. Visitors can expect aromas of mint tea, elaborate carpets
and vibrant squares, but they can also expect much more from
contemporary Morocco which acknowledges its past while keeping pace
with global development and interconnectivity.